On May 16, 2025, Chicago, IL experienced a dust storm that led the NWS to put out a rare Dust Storm Warning for the metropolitan area. This huge dust storm formed as strong outflow from a cluster of severe thunderstorms picked up dust as they passed over farmland and quickly created an expansive dust cloud. Within the storm, winds near 60mph and visibilities below ¼ of a mile were observed.

Where do dust storms happen?

Dust storms, often also called haboobs, are uncommon for places like Chicago and other large metropolitan areas. They are more common in the Southwest and southern Plains in the United States, particularly during the late winter and early spring months.

Over the rest of the world, dust storms are most common over the Middle East and portions of Northern Africa, as well as other dry areas like inland Australia.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, 80% of the world’s dust budget comes from the Middle East and northern Africa deserts. The Saharan Desert is a major source for dust storms over Africa, with some storms causing dust to move in the upper atmosphere over the Atlantic and into portions of the Caribbean and southeastern US. Saharan dust events can even impact hurricane formation during the summer months.

How do dust storms form?

Dust storms are formed when strong winds move over dry ground, usually in areas without any trees or plants to break the wind. Without much friction, the wind in these environments can easily lift dust into the air.

Dust storms tend to move through an area rather quickly, but the lingering effects of the dust in the air can cause problems for a while after.

During the storms, dust can cause lower visibility for drivers and is especially worrisome for planes, because of reduced visibility as well as causing mechanical issues if the storm is strong enough. Airborne dust can also cause breathing problems for sensitive groups who are outside when it is occurring.

Dust and dirt in the air can be abrasive to cars and houses, while the dust itself can remove soil from farms and plants and sometimes lead to desertification. They can cause disruptions in transportation and infrastructure that can impact a region for days after the storm occurred.

Image: Satellite image showing a large dust storm moving over Chicago on May 16, 2025. Source: CIRA / GOES-19

How can you stay safe in a dust storm?

Dust storms can come on quickly, but there are a few ways you can keep yourself safe while the storm is happening:

• Stay inside, if possible, with windows and doors closed.
• If you are outside, covering your nose and mouth and get indoors as quickly as possible.
• Once inside, ensure air conditioning is recirculating to avoid dust entering your home or business.
• If you are driving, slow down or even pull over until the worst of the storm is over. When pulling over during a dust storm, make sure to turn off your headlights. In the past drivers have tried to use the taillights of the car in front of them to manoeuvre through storms and have ended up causing accidents.
• When the storm is over, make sure to monitor people who are more susceptible with issues related to the dust lingering in the air. Air quality could remain lowered for a few days after the storm.

Dust storms on other planets

Dust storms aren’t exclusive to Earth; they have also been detected on Mars. When the Mariner 9 landed on the planet in 1971, pictures of Mars were obscured by a dust storm occurring in the area. This storm lasted for around a month before clearing enough for scientists to see anything. This led to the discovery that dust storms are happening frequently on the planet. These storms often effect the solar panels on newer rovers on Mars, making it hard for them to get enough energy in the worse of the storms.

Visit the American Lung Association website for more information on how to protect yourself during a dust storm.